How to Replace the Starter Cord on a Snow Blower Yard Machine

Yard Machine snow blowers are designed with homeowners in mind to help with snow removal. Yard Machine snow blowers, such as the E600E, feature a Powermore brand gasoline engine for power in cold weather conditions. Starting the engine is accomplished by means of a pull start cord with an over-sized D-shaped handle for easy gripping when wearing gloves. When the starter cord breaks, a new one can be installed by removing the blower housing and rewind assembly.


1. Remove the spark plug wire from the spark plug for safety before starting to work. Remove the screws that hold the blower housing and rewind assembly in place on the side of the engine with a screwdriver. Set the screws aside in a safe location for use later during assembly.


2. Pull the blower housing and rewind assembly off the side of the engine. Turn the housing over to access the pulley. Remove any old starter cord from the pulley. Pull the old cord through the existing starter handle. Purchase a replacement starter cord from a hardware or home-improvement store.


3. Turn the pulley counterclockwise to tension the rewind spring. Stop turning when you feel resistance in the spring. Turn the pulley back one turn in the opposite direction and line up the cord hole in the housing with the hole in the pulley. Insert a screwdriver through the vent holes in the pulley and housing to prevent the pulley from turning and the spring from unwinding.


4. Insert the new starter cord through the hole in the housing and the hole in the pulley. Tie an overhand knot in the end of the cord and pull the knot tight against the pulley. Insert the opposite end of the cord through the hole in the D-shaped handle. Tie an overhand knot in the cord end, and then pull the knot against the top of the handle.


5. Hold the handle firmly and remove the screwdriver from the vent holes. Allow the cord to wind onto the pulley as it turns and the spring unwinds.


6. Fit the blower housing and rewind assembly back on the side of the engine. Secure the housing in place with the screws that were previously removed and connect the spark plug wire back to the spark plug.